Finding the Right Balance: Challenges in Optimising the Promise of Complexity Research for NCD Best-Buys Implementation and Adoption Comment on "Barriers and Opportunities for WHO 'Best Buys' Non-communicable Disease Policy Adoption and Implementation From a Political Economy Perspective: A Complexity Systematic Review"

Abstract

There is a growing interest in complexity research. A recent systematic review by Loffreda et al attempted to study the barriers and opportunities for the adoption and implementation of the "best buys" for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from a political economy perspective. In this commentary we take forward the discussion on the NCD best-buys by comparing the findings of the article with one of the risk factors of tobacco use and its control in India. We reflect on the challenges in actualizing the promise of research methods and approaches while studying such complex interventions like the NCD best buys. The balance of studying complexity while still keeping the findings translatable at country levels. Future research could potentially use a comparative lens focusing on either industry/government or actor behaviour across the different risk factors to facilitate cross learning, anticipate and pre-empt adverse policy decisions and implementation outcomes.

Keywords: Best Buys; Complexity Research; Non-communicable Diseases; Political Economy Analysis; Realist Methods.